There’s another reason for HST enthusiasts to join us on Saturday 29 August. Railway author Andy Coward will be spending the day on board the main HST, selling and signing copies of his new book, HST in the Fifth Decade.
Andy is a familiar face at the Colne Valley Railway. In March, he joined us to name HST power car 43023, and he’ll be returning for a day dedicated to the train that has played such a significant part in his railway writing.
A former editor of Railways Illustrated, Andy has written extensively about Britain’s railways. His latest book looks specifically at the remarkable later years of the High Speed Train, covering the period from 2016 to 2025.
Across 260 pages and 23 chapters, HST in the Fifth Decade follows the changing HST story through operators including Great Western Railway, LNER, East Midlands Railway and ScotRail, as well as their use in testing, charter operations, exports and preservation.
Our event brings together four Class 43 power cars in two very different HST formations. Western Region power cars 43165 and 43023, both MTU-powered, will work our 2+3 main HST with passenger coaches, while 43073 and 43082 will form an unusual coachless 2+0 back-to-back HST, giving visitors the distinctive sound of their Paxman VP185 engines.
The 2+0 will run ahead of the main set during the day, creating opportunities to see and photograph both formations together.
Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides on the main HST, while cab rides will also be available in three power cars. Learn more
